A Royal Craving (18 page)

D
igging through the archives became more enjoyable than Spencer had imagined.

Prosper could not enjoy the moment with him, as he worked on the treaty documents. As King, he had demands to make of the council members, to ensure that his people were getting the fairest treatment. To ensure that, his King had to know what issues were foremost in the minds of his people.

Spencer could not have been prouder of his wish to improve the city and keep the humans safe. Prosper cared about the safety of every citizen under his rule; vampire or human.

Turning another antique page in the tower of loose papers, Spencer scanned the words for anything that may be relevant. He did not know what he was searching for, only that he watched for a sign of his true parentage.

Prosper had not promised that he would find answers, but suggested that if they were to be found anywhere, it would be within the vampire archives. The one benefit of immortality was that one vampire could chronicle the lives of two or even four human generations.

Spencer believed he would not have to venture any further than fifty years, to find a mention of his true family. He was not sure if
he
would be included in these papers, but believed there must be some sign that would point him in the right direction.

He froze, as he spotted the word 'orphanage' in the thirty-first piece of paper. He drew it closer to the light and scanned the contents eagerly. “...soldier...duty...” he said, his lips moving silently as he read. “...trusted his only child, a son and heir, to my care.”

He wanted to scream Eureka! as he realised this must refer to him. But he did not want to presume too much. He continued reading and searched for something concrete.

On the twenty second day of June, I took the child from my care and presented him to his new parents; a childless human couple, Theora and Ronald.

I dare not chronicle their surname, for fear that the child's parents seek him, in a moment of weakness. Though they know their duty and cannot secure his safety, as they travel to war and search for peace, I am all too aware of their pain in losing their son. No matter how often I assure them it is the best course, to ensure his future, I know that a mother and father cannot easily turn their back on their own flesh.

Spencer's breath hitched in his throat, as he realised that his parents had not abandoned them because he was deaf or because they did not want him. It sounded as though they were soldiers, on a mission to save either their own kind or the humans, from a war.

How could he remain angry with them, for abandoning him, when they had taken such great care to ensure his safety? When they had done so for his own safety and for such a noble cause?

How selfless of them to give him to a childless couple, who would dote and care for him as though they were his own parents. Who
had
doted and cared for him as though they were his own parents.

He would never forget what they had done by taking him in or the immense gratitude he owed them for waiting until he grew old enough to understand, before revealing that he had been adopted. Spencer had always felt out of place, but the revelation that he had not been of their blood made sense of his feelings and his disability.

He wondered if one of his parents could also be deaf. Or was it stupid to think that a vampire may have the same condition that he had?

Spencer shook his head, as he thought of his King. Prosper proved, on a daily basis, that nothing was impossible in the world of vampires. Deafness would be neither a surprise nor looked down on in his world. It would not be a shock to know that a vampire existed, who had become deaf as a human child. One who had not been 'healed' or 'cured' by their transformation into a vampire.

Prosper said some conditions could attach firmly to the human DNA until the vampire transformation could not remove the threat.

Parry had even recounted how the transformation often brought out the beauty or depravity of the soul within.

Spencer had wondered, since that revelation, if he would transform from plain Joe to a handsome vampire or a deformed one. He could not quite decide what his true character may be.

Prosper loved him, though, and that must mean his soul was pure.

For his lover, sadly the transformation did not reflect the beauty of Prosper's soul, because of his father’s infatuation with human chemistry.

Spencer would have cursed the rotten man, if he had not died years ago, from a complication with his own experiment. Prosper had explained how a fruitless attempt to create telekinetic powers in humans had backfired and killed the man. Spencer could not feel sorry for the loss.

If his King or Parry had held any affection for the man, he may have cared. But as they both knew the coldness of his heart and soul, Spencer did not grieve for the inconsiderate inventor who had experimented on his own son.

Spencer returned his attention to the piece of paper, shaking off his anger with Prosper's father, to discover more about his own family. The paper appeared well worn, probably at least ten if not twenty years old; that would make it the same age as himself. This man who had chronicled his fate had written it at the time.

He read on.

As per my agreement with the boy's true parents, I have informed Ronald that he must be named Spencer Granger Jakub Cooper. Thus, he will carry forth the names of his father, his forefathers and those that will mean the most to the lad, if he take up our cause in his adult years.

Spencer frowned over the word 'cause'. He did not know what that meant, but thrilled to finally know his true name. He longed to share the news with his King, as soon as he left this room.

“Spencer Granger Jakub Cooper,” he repeated, with a thrill of excitement.

His mother demanded that he be given the Slovakian name, Jakub, to honour her heritage. I do not know if the boy will understand or if the humans will reveal this knowledge, but I have imparted it to them, if they wish to pass it along to the child.

This agency will continue to provide care for the child, until he has grown of age to know of his greatest gift: the parents to whom he truly belongs. Until then, I will remain in the background, until such time as I am required to step forth and reveal myself.

I fear, however, that I may be nearing the end of my usefulness. Though graced with the wondrous gift of vampirism by my dear friend, the loss of my sight will soon require another to take my place, as the boy's guardian. I will chronicle my every move until that time comes, that my replacement may know what a gift this child will be to us.

I believe he, and he alone, will see that peace is reached between humans and vampires. Finally, my Master's work will be done and I may retire, knowing that my work has saved many valuable lives.

God help me, I pray the child will resemble his father. If anyone could manage this impossible task, it is Braddock.

Spencer wiped a fallen tear from his cheek and tried not to let on how deeply this paper had affected him. He did not want Prosper to sense his sadness or know that it had hurt him, in a place so hidden that he had forgotten how desperately he longed to find his family.

Setting the paper aside, he reached for the next in the pile and skim read it. Writing by the same hand as the most valuable piece of paper he had found, he tucked it closely behind the one he had already set aside and continued, until he had three pieces of paper with information about his parents.

He tucked the papers into his notebook and scribbled a few notes on the opposite page. It was not the right time to discuss the entirety of the notation, while his King's mind remained focused on the treaty signing. Spencer had no right to redirect his attention from a present concern to a past tragedy.

Once they were alone again, after the treaty had been signed, he would confess all to his lover. After all, if he had read the notes correctly, his entire existence revolved around bringing peace between the humans and vampires. He could not do that, with a clear conscience, if he delayed that peace for his own silly family matters.

This time, he would place Prosper first and refuse to allow his King to pamper him any longer. If they were to marry soon, Prosper's responsibilities would become Spencer's, and it would be wrong to monopolise his King's attention selfishly.

S
pencer popped into Parry's room, two hours after talking with him, to find him lying on a divan, with Davian.

The vampire Prince lay awake, staring out the window, while his fingers weaved a gentle pattern of caresses through Davian's hair.

There were packing boxes on the floor by the bookcase and he could see that a few items had already been misplaced, in the course of packing them away. Importantly, he noticed the sense of prevailing sadness in Parry's demeanour that he did not like.

“I thought you might wish to take this with you? I asked Sienna and she insists it is not hers,” Spencer explained, talking quietly as he approached the divan and showed him the book he spoke of.

Parry nodded, holding his finger to his lips. “He has not long fallen asleep,” he whispered and pointed to the nearby table.

Spencer put the book down, glad to see them together. He nearly laughed when Parry put his open hand to his cheek, fingers held together and gentle tipped them toward him. His attempt at saying 'thank you' in sign language proved quite adorable.

He returned the thanks, the way it should be done, and watched Parry's smile broaden into a grin.

“I understand, little brother. I am a brainless moron,” the Prince joked, in agreement.

Although Parry should not try sign language until he knew how to do so correctly, Spencer loved that he tried. No one had ever bothered. “You were close,” he promised, in a whisper.

He planned to question Parry's sadness, until he sensed his King approaching. It was an odd sensation that delighted him; somewhere between a shiver and teasing fingers walking up his spine.

Spencer turned to face the doorway, smiling at his King, when he entered. He greeted him happily, kissing his cheek.

“Your life mate is in dire need of you. You had better see to his happiness,” Parry said, trying to hide his amusement when Prosper frowned.

Parry smiled, weaker than Spencer liked. He could see that something upset him, but could not ask what, while Davian remained in the room. He would speak to Parry soon, when they were alone.

Prosper rightfully avoided that conversation. “I will steal my life mate, before you get him into trouble,” he teased his brother.

Spencer allowed his King to take his hand and usher him from the room, along the corridor to their own suite.

“How is it my brother can detect you are in need, when I cannot?” Prosper asked, appearing insulted by the insinuation Parry had made.

Spencer hugged his arm. “I have discovered something,” he confessed.

Since they first discussed it, they had been researching his adoption in hopes of discovering who his real parents were.

“A name.” He made the announcement, happily. He crossed to the bed and sat on it, with his legs crossed and notepad in his hands. “The agency said I had been put up for adoption by a vampire called Braddock, who is my biological father,” Spencer explained, tumbling over with excitement, as he realised a truth he had never thought to question.

No wonder the prophetess had been excited when she tasted his blood; she probably knew of his parents and that he came from two vampires.

It was a third step in his journey toward his future. The first and second, clearly, had been meeting Prosper, five years ago and a few nights ago. If he had not taken his chance, upon their second meeting, he would not have the wonderful life he currently lived.

“It says that he donated his ancient DNA to a scientist,” Spencer continued, reading from his notebook to ensure he got the information right. “looking to create a child who could skirt the lines between vampire and human. He hoped such a child would be an advocate for peace amongst the two peoples and it would end the conflict, at the beginning, when vampires took over,” he explained, with excitement.

Prosper joined him on the bed and lay down, adoring Spencer with his eyes, as he propped his head upon his hand.

“He hoped to engineer a child from pure vampire DNA; his and my mother’s, his life mate,” Spencer continued, having to hold his hand to his stomach, that flipped with giddiness. “He hoped I could be the best parts of a vampire and the best of a human. Unfortunately, I am the result,” he explained, with a faint smile that recognised how disappointed his parents must have been.

Spencer did not understand and Prosper did not know how to explain it. He was the naturally born, or at least created, child of an ancient vampire. He had been born, not experimented on, as the human children were, when they were turned into vampires. Such an instance had not happened in centuries and yet there he sat, feeling worthless.

Prosper would never get over how insecure his boy could be

Spencer blushed as Prosper's thoughts filtered into his head. It was not the first time he knew his King's thoughts, but it filled him with warmth and belonging, each time it happened.

“Not unfortunate. You are my life mate. Your father would be happy,” Prosper corrected his self-doubt.

Spencer gave a one shouldered, uninterested shrug. “He is still alive, so we will soon discover the truth. He knows I exist; the rumours will reach him soon,” he confessed, unclear whether he should long for or dread the discovery of his real parents.

Prosper nodded his agreement to wait.

“He was a soldier and told the scientist that took me in that he could not care for me. At least I know he did not give me up, because of my condition.” Spencer took some solace in that.

Even if he had been given over to a human family, to raise and care for, it was not because he was deaf. His parents had been unable to care for him, at the time, because of their calling. And that was something he could forgive.

“Not a soldier, little one,” Prosper disagreed, appearing excited. “Braddock is a celebrated man in our history. Now that you know his name, you will discover that for yourself, in the archives.”

Spencer wondered what that meant, but chose not to question him. He would find out later. “Well, it gives us a start. If I was born to two ancients, does not that explain why my personality, at least, is more like a vampire than a human?” he suggested, since his King had told him, numerous times, that he behaved unlike any human he had ever met.

“Yes. It explains why you are my life mate,” Prosper revealed, brushing his fingertips over Spencer's bare arm. “It is rare for any Royal to be a life mate to a human. But for two of us? One is rare; two is nearly impossible,” he admitted.

Spencer watched his King, loving the way his eyes flickered with a light hint of red, that suggested he might be hungry. He would tackle that issue as soon as this conversation ended. To do so now would mean having to go over it again later, because they were sure to get distracted.

Prosper let his fingers dance up Spencer's arm, under the short sleeve of his tunic top. “As for Parry,” his King mused. “I think his actions have easily secured in my mind that Davian is his life mate,” he explained.

“What do we do now?” Spencer wondered.

“I suggest we look for Braddock. We need to know the identities of the scientist and your mother. Then we can create a family tree for you,” Prosper suggested, with a faint smile and gentle eyes. “There may be relatives mentioned in the archives that I can speak to. As far as I know, Braddock has always lived 'off the grid', as you humans say. He worked in the service of the King, until my father's reign. The humans turning on each other unsettled him.”

He offered a look of hope. “And once that task is complete, we can consider announcing our engagement.” Prosper moved into a far more comfortable position. He propped up against the pillows and smiled at the blush that came to his lover's cheeks.

Spencer could not help it; from the first night, his King had spoke of keeping him forever. He squinted at Prosper curiously, crawling across the bed and leaning in to kiss him.

Instead of succumbing to the power of his kisses and confessing his plans, Prosper got a dangerous glint in his eye. Using his sneaky speed, he caught Spencer around the neck with a cupped hand and pulled him into a satisfying kiss that had his eyelids fluttering.

“You have not given me a ring yet,” Spencer teased, as he parted from their kiss. An engagement in this new world could not be recognised until a ring had been given from one to the other. As King, it would be Prosper's duty to supply the ring and his to wear it with pride.

Prosper surprised him, smiling enigmatically, as he reached into the bedside table drawer, to extract a box that he placed on the palm of Spencer's hand.

He glanced at the box for a moment, before opening it to reveal an antique silver ring with a delicate diamond winking back. “It is beautiful,” he breathed, in awe of the rare beauty. He reached out and brushed a fingertip across the stone, looking up at his King.

“It is not as good as you deserve, but no one creates the ring I had in mind for you,” Prosper apologised. “I am having one fashioned by a man who promises to deliver what I asked for. But that will be your wedding ring. For now, I thought a family heirloom would suffice,” he said, with a nervous glance.

Spencer could see the happiness and love in Prosper's eyes, mixed in with frustration that no one had been able to meet his demands. He reacted instinctively; he fell into Prosper's arms and kissed him for as long as he could.

Without the necessity to breathe, his King held him tight and lingered in their kiss. But, though he was a human and needed to break away for air, Prosper never seemed to forget. He always released him before his head started spinning from a lack of oxygen. Always at the point when he could not fight it any longer.

Spencer loved that he never had to end a kiss, because Prosper did it for him. He loved the smile that curved his King's lips and made one of his scars disappear, with the crinkle of his cheek, even more.

Spencer caressed the tender skin that always bothered his life mate, reminding him that scarred, burned or whole, he was beautiful inside and out.

Prosper kissed him tenderly, drawing his hand from his cheek, as he always did. A brief touch seemed to make him happy, but anything that lingered had the old demons rising to the surface.

Dutifully, Spencer sat back on his heels and held the box to his King.
“Will you place it upon my finger?” he asked, practically shaking with excitement.

Prosper chuckled at his eagerness, but took the ring from the box and placed it onto his ring finger.

For the longest time, they both sat still, staring at his hand in his King's and the ring symbolising Prosper's promise to marry him, within a year.